Uses

Principal Proposed Uses

Other Proposed Uses

Scutellaria baicalensis
, also called Chinese skullcap, is a member of the mint family and has long been used in
traditional Chinese herbal medicine
. Chinese skullcap has been incorporated in herbal formulas designed to treat such widely varying conditions as cancer, liver disease, allergies, skin conditions, and epilepsy. The root is the part used medicinally.

Note:
Chinese skullcap is substantially different from
American skullcap
(
Scutellaria lateriflora
).

What is Chinese Skullcap Used for Today?

The root of Chinese scullcap contains the flavonoids baicalin, wogonin, and baicalein, and most studies have involved these substances rather than the whole herb.

Highly preliminary evidence suggest that baicalin can enhance the activity of antibiotics against antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria.
1-3
Other highly preliminary evidence suggests that baicalin, wogonin, and baicalein may have
anti-cancer
,
4-8
anti-inflammatory,
9,10liver-protective
,
11anti-anxiety
,
12
and
antihypertensive effects
.
13
However, for none of these uses does the evidence approach the level necessary to truly establish a treatment as effective.

Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) combined with Acacia catechu was found to provide short-term relief of pain, stiffness, and range of motion similar to naproxen. The 79 participants of the trial were overweight or obese, aged 40-90 years old, and were randomized to either the herbal supplement or naproxen. No placebo group was tested.16

Dosage

The optimum doses, if any, of baicalin, wogonin, and baicalein have not been established. Chinese skullcap is typically taken at a dose of 3-9 grams daily as part of an herbal combination.

Safety Issues

Baicalin, wobogin, and baicalein appear to have a low order of toxicity, though comprehensive safety studies have not been performed. There have been case reports of liver injury associated with use of skullcap products, but these may have been due to adulteration by the herb germander.

One animal study found worrisome evidence that baicalin might markedly reduce the absorption of drug
cyclosporine
, used to prevent organ transplant rejection.
14
Another study found that baicalin might reduce blood levels of drugs in the
statin family
, used to improve cholesterol profile.
15

Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.